Galliani: 'Milan stand up to Barca'

Adriano Galliani is waiting on Stephan El Shaarawy and warns Milan will show “no psychological weakness” against Barcelona.

AdrianoGalliani is waiting on Stephan El Shaarawy and warns Milan will show “no psychological weakness” against Barcelona.

The Rossoneri temporarily climbed into third place in Serie A after Friday’s 2-1 win over Parma[12], but all eyes are on Wednesday’s Champions League Round of 16 tie.

“Destiny means we have met Barcelona six times in two seasons, but we have no psychological weakness towards them,” assured Vice-President Galliani.

El Shaarawy missed the Parma game with a knee problem and requires a fitness test ahead of next week’s European challenge.

“We hope that El Shaarawy can recover in time for the match. It is fortunate we signed Mario Balotelli in January, as Giampaolo Pazzini has been injured and El Shaarawy is trying to recover from a knee inflammation.”

However, Balotelli cannot play against Barcelona, as he has already featured in the Champions League for Manchester City this season.

“Balotelli inspires the other players, sort of like the ‘Zlatan Ibrahimovic effect.’ He gives strength and his performances have a collateral effect on the others. His goals are proof we didn’t just buy him for his media impact.”

SuperMario has now scored four goals in his three Serie A games for Milan.